Die Vierhändige

'Die Vierhändige' ('Four Hands' in English) is an author movie written and directed by German filmmaker Oliver Kienle. It is a film that surprised me (for the better) by the quality and expressiveness of the image and by the intensity of the actors' acting. It demands attention to watch, and there is a danger that it will lose some of its audience in the middle, especially those who are used to the logical, deterministic and linear plots of German detective films. The authors emphasized the psychological side and the trauma suffered by the characters. The degree of ambiguity of the story allows different interpretations according to the personal perspective of each of the viewers. It's not an easy movie to watch, but it's interesting and well-made enough to be worth watching. Those who will - more or less easily - overcome the difficult moments of the story will be rewarded.

It's one of those movies of which you can say very little about the story so as not to spoil the enjoyment and interest of future viewers. Two sisters witness in their early childhood the brutal murder of their parents. The experience traumatizes them and binds them to each other for the rest of their lives. When the assassins are released - after serving their 20-year sentences - their destinies are again dramatically influenced.

Oliver Kienle's script proposes an interesting and original combination. The film has only a handful ofc significant characters (the sisters, a nurse who befriends one of them, the criminals who appear in only one scene each) and yet the entire action takes place amidst the crowded cities and institutions of contemporary Germany. A house also appears, oddly placed in the landscape, suggesting the strange things that happen in it. The cinematography by Yoshi Heimrath is designed in a post-Hitchcockian style, combining chamber drama with hallucinatory outdoor scenes, in hospitals, in discotheques, in concert halls. There is a lot of darkness in this film, the colors when they appear are also blurred. The disorientation of the heroes is also transmitted to the audience along with a feeling of insecurity about the understanding of what we see on the screen. Frida-Lovisa Hamann and Friederike Becht create memorable roles as the two sisters. Christoph Letkowski should provide a balancing act in the role of the character who should but mostly fails to represent a point of emotional stability. Music plays an important role in the film, and the soundtrack created by Heiko Maile completed with fragments of classical music performed on the piano contributes to the atmosphere of suspense and uncertainty. 'Die Vierhändige' is a good psychological thriller, one of the well-made films in this genre that I have seen lately.

This is a rather unusual film and knowing it was made in Germany makes things even more peculiar. "Four Hands" surprises with two strong lead actresses, a well written script and a fine score. The fate of the main characters has been a popular topic in other movies and was very well displayed in "Fight Club" or likely funnier in "Schizopolis". But here director/writer Oliver Kienle leads the audience onto a dirty road without any warning signs.

The story keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end of the movie. While the drama slowly unfolds, both actresses slither down in madness and engage in some brutal action scenes. The sisters' relationship is intimate but also dangerous. I found it quite tasteful that they are always peacefully connected through music.

If you like "Memento" or "High Tension" you would like this indie film just as much since it has is own niche.

Normally I'm not the genre-film-type, but the premise of this film sounded intriguing--also, I like stories with strong/tough female characters. My expectations weren't that high, though I'm open for surprises. And, boy, was I blown away! The actresses are fantastic, the screenplay is well written and effectively executed. The suspense builds early on and never let's off until the final nail-biting minutes. You never know what to expect from the next scene, you'll be surprised, thrilled and totally engaged in the story. I would recommend this film to anyone with a taste for genre-fare, thrillers, or fine cinema in general. As a woman I'm especially excited that 'Die Vierhändige' centers on strong female protagonists and doesn't shy away from bending the gender-rules in cinema. At least a little bit. Just watch it!

Die Vierhändige/Four Hands is an accomplished, intelligent and remarkable film that keeps viewers at the edges of their seats. Twisting and turning, it engages both the senses and the mind. The story about two sisters' struggle with the death of their parents at a young age addresses themes of identity, responsibility and retaliation through genre-tropes and considerable filmmaking talent.

Die Vierhändige is the work of a technically adept filmmaker, crew and a talented cast. Writer-Director Oliver Kienle shows great skill in telling a gripping story. Through atmospheric and well-composed images (courtesy of cinematographer Yoshi Heimrath) and rhythmic montage (editor: Philipp Thomas) this thriller sets itself apart from most contemporary German films. It is closer to Scandinavian cinema or American genre-films in style and feel.

Though the subject matter is bleak at times, the film provides an authentic and comprehensible treatment of feelings of loss, love, loneliness and staying strong in a seemingly dismal situation. Furthermore it is a film with strong female lead characters, compellingly portrayed by Frida-Lovisa Hamann and Friederike Becht.

So watch it if it runs in a theater near you. If not, watch it on DVD, BluRay or VoD. I strongly recommend this film to anyone who wants to broaden their horizon regarding European and German cinema.

Wow im impressed.

Cinematography/visual imagery 10/10 Acting from both Sisters 10/10 when she turns into the other one is some realy creepy and disturbing stuff.

Loved the genre too its Thriller,Psycho-thriller,horror at times, Crime,Drama just to name a few. This movie gave me everything "Split" couldn't, hat's off to you germans this one is a gem.